2025 Austin ISD School Supply List for 2024-2025 Academic Year

Austin ISD School Supply List for 2024-2025
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Austin ISD School Supply List 2024-2025: Equipping Students for Success

As the summer sun sets and the new school year approaches, parents and students in Austin, Texas, eagerly anticipate the release of the Austin Independent School District (AISD) School Supply List for 2024-2025. This comprehensive guide serves as an essential roadmap for families to prepare their children with the necessary tools to excel in their academic pursuits. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or embarking on their high school journey, the provision of these materials will lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling school year.

Kindergarten and Early Elementary Grades: Nurturing a Love of Learning

For the youngest learners, the school supply list for kindergarten through second grade prioritizes materials that foster a lifelong love of learning. Pencils, crayons, scissors, and glue sticks become essential tools for exploring the wonders of reading, writing, and creative expression. Backpacks filled with colorful folders and notebooks provide a sense of organization and ownership, promoting independence and responsibility. Furthermore, playdough and magnetic letters stimulate imagination and enhance early literacy and numeracy skills.

Essential Supplies for Elementary Students

Elementary school students require a wide range of essential supplies to succeed academically and creatively. These items support their learning journey, ensuring they have the necessary tools to engage in hands-on activities, take notes, and express themselves effectively. Here’s a comprehensive list of the essential supplies every elementary student should have:

Writing Instruments

Pencils (No. 2 or mechanical pencils with extra lead)
Pens (black or blue ink, fine or medium point)
Erasers (pink or rubber)
Pencil sharpener
Highlighters (optional)

Notebooks and Paper

Wide-ruled spiral notebook (multiple subjects)
Composition notebook (single subject)
Loose-leaf paper (wide-ruled)
Folders (multiple colors for different subjects)

Art and Creative Supplies

Crayons (24 colors or more)
Markers (washable and permanent)
Colored pencils

li>Construction paper (various colors)

Scissors (safety scissors for younger students)
Glue (stick and liquid)
Tape (clear and masking)

Organizational Tools

Bookbag or backpack
Pencil case
Binder (optional)
Planner (optional)

Other Essentials

Hand sanitizer
Tissues
Water bottle
Snack (optional)

Middle Schoolers’ Must-Haves

Middle schoolers need a variety of supplies to succeed in their classes. The following list includes the essential items that every middle schooler should have on hand.

Notebook and Folder

A sturdy notebook is essential for taking notes in class. A folder is also helpful for keeping track of loose papers and assignments.

Pens and Pencils

Pens and pencils are must-haves for any student. Make sure to have a variety of pens and pencils on hand, including blue or black pens for writing in ink and pencils for taking notes and drawing.

Highlighters and Markers

Highlighters and markers are useful for marking important passages in textbooks and notes. They can also be used for color-coding different subjects or topics.

Ruler and Protractor

A ruler and protractor are essential for geometry and other math classes. Make sure to get a ruler that is at least 12 inches long and a protractor that is 180 degrees.

Calculator

A calculator is a must-have for math and science classes. Make sure to get a calculator that is approved for use in your child’s school.

Other Supplies

In addition to the essential items listed above, middle schoolers may also need the following supplies:

Item	Quantity
Index cards	1 pack
Post-it notes	1 pack
Stapler	1
Tape	1 roll
Scissors	1 pair
Glue stick	1

High School Essentials for Academic Success

Every student needs a reliable laptop or tablet to stay organized, complete assignments, and access online resources. Some schools also require specific software or programs, so be sure to check with your teachers before making a purchase.

For note-taking, a dedicated notebook or tablet can be invaluable. Choose one that is easy to carry around and organized in a way that works for you. Pens, pencils, and highlighters are also essential for taking notes and completing assignments.

A backpack is a must-have for carrying all of your school supplies. Choose one that is durable, comfortable to wear, and has enough space for everything you need.

A planner or calendar can help you keep track of assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities. It can also be used to set goals and track your progress.

Other essential items for high school students include a water bottle, healthy snacks, and a first-aid kit. These items can help you stay hydrated, energized, and prepared for anything.

Clothing and Footwear

For high school, you’ll need a variety of clothing items to suit different occasions. This includes casual clothes for everyday wear, as well as more formal attire for special occasions.

It’s also important to have a comfortable pair of shoes that you can wear all day long. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so make sure your shoes provide good support.

Technology Essentials

Technology is an essential part of high school today. You’ll need a laptop or tablet for completing assignments, taking notes, and accessing online resources. You’ll also need a reliable internet connection so you can stay connected with your teachers and classmates.

Here is a table summarizing the essential technology items for high school students:

Item	Description
Laptop or tablet	For completing assignments, taking notes, and accessing online resources.
Reliable internet connection	For staying connected with teachers and classmates.
Software and programs	As required by your teachers.

Technology for Learning

Through the 1:1 technology initiative, all students in grades 3-12 are provided a district-issued Chromebook to support learning.

Students may opt out of the 1:1 technology initiative if a parent/guardian submits a written opt-out request to the student’s campus administration.

For families who choose to opt out of the 1:1 technology initiative, an equivalent non-digital alternative will be provided. Families are responsible for providing any additional technology or supplies needed to complete assignments and assessments.

Grades 9-12 Technology Requirements

Students must have a laptop or desktop computer with the following minimum specifications:

Specification	Requirement
Operating System	Windows 10 or newer or macOS 10.12 or newer
Processor	Intel Core i3 or equivalent
Memory (RAM)	8GB or more
Storage	128GB SSD or HDD
Display	13-inch or larger
Webcam	Built-in or external
Microphone	Built-in or external
Internet Connectivity	Reliable broadband connection

Art and Music Materials

All students in Austin ISD are required to bring their own art and music supplies to class. The following is a list of supplies that will be needed for the 2024-2025 school year.

Art Supplies

Students in grades K-5 will need the following art supplies:

18-pack of Crayola crayons
12-pack of colored pencils
8-pack of washable markers
12-pack of construction paper
1 package of glue sticks
1 pair of scissors

Students in grades 6-8 will need the following art supplies:

18-pack of Crayola crayons
12-pack of colored pencils
8-pack of washable markers
12-pack of construction paper
1 package of glue sticks
1 pair of scissors
1 sketchbook

Students in grades 9-12 will need the following art supplies:

18-pack of Crayola crayons
12-pack of colored pencils
8-pack of washable markers
12-pack of construction paper
1 package of glue sticks
1 pair of scissors
1 sketchbook
1 portfolio

Music Supplies

All students in grades K-12 will need the following music supplies:

1 music notebook
1 pencil
1 eraser

Students in grades 3-5 will also need the following music supplies:

1 recorder
1 recorder book

Students in grades 6-8 will also need the following music supplies:

1 instrument of their choice (band or orchestra)
1 method book for their instrument

Students in grades 9-12 will also need the following music supplies:

1 instrument of their choice (band or orchestra)
1 method book for their instrument
1 music theory textbook

The following is a table of the required art and music supplies for each grade level:

Grade Level	Art Supplies	Music Supplies
K-5	18-pack of Crayola crayons, 12-pack of colored pencils, 8-pack of washable markers, 12-pack of construction paper, 1 package of glue sticks, 1 pair of scissors	1 music notebook, 1 pencil, 1 eraser
6-8	18-pack of Crayola crayons, 12-pack of colored pencils, 8-pack of washable markers, 12-pack of construction paper, 1 package of glue sticks, 1 pair of scissors, 1 sketchbook	1 music notebook, 1 pencil, 1 eraser, 1 recorder, 1 recorder book
9-12	18-pack of Crayola crayons, 12-pack of colored pencils, 8-pack of washable markers, 12-pack of construction paper, 1 package of glue sticks, 1 pair of scissors, 1 sketchbook, 1 portfolio	1 music notebook, 1 pencil, 1 eraser, 1 instrument of their choice (band or orchestra), 1 method book for their instrument, 1 music theory textbook

Physical Education Gear

Students will need to come to class each day dressed in their physical education uniforms. Uniforms can be purchased from the school store or online. All students must wear the school-issued physical education shirt and shorts. Students may wear their own sneakers, but they must be closed-toe and non-marking.

Gear Requirements

In addition to the physical education uniform, students will also need the following gear:

Sneakers
Athletic socks
Water bottle
Towel

Locker Room Guidelines

Students are expected to follow all locker room guidelines, including:

Changing clothes in the locker room only
Leaving valuables at home or in their lockers
Keeping the locker room clean and tidy
Respecting the privacy of others

Health and Safety

Students are expected to take care of their health and safety during physical education class. This includes:

Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after class
Wearing appropriate clothing and shoes
Participating in activities at a level that is appropriate for their fitness level
Reporting any injuries or illnesses to the instructor immediately

Additional Information

Students who have any questions about the physical education dress code or gear requirements should contact their instructor.

Item	Quantity
Physical education shirt	1
Physical education shorts	1
Sneakers	1 pair
Athletic socks	2 pairs
Water bottle	1
Towel	1

Health and Wellness Supplies

The health and wellness of students is a top priority for Austin ISD. The following supplies are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all students:

First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries. It should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, and pain relievers.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is an effective way to prevent the spread of germs. Students should keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in their backpacks for use throughout the day.

Tissues

Tissues are necessary for wiping away runny noses, wiping up spills, and other minor cleaning tasks. Students should keep a box of tissues in their desks.

Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is important for overall health and well-being. Students should bring a reusable water bottle to school and fill it up throughout the day.

Healthy Snacks

Healthy snacks can help students stay energized and focused throughout the day. Students should pack snacks that are high in protein and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Students should apply sunscreen before going outside, even on cloudy days.

Additional Health and Wellness Supplies

In addition to the supplies listed above, students may also need the following items:

Item	Purpose
Thermometer	Checking for fever
Pain relievers	Treating headaches and other minor aches and pains
Cough drops	Relieving sore throats
Antiseptic wipes	Cleaning surfaces and disinfecting hands
Bandages	Treating minor cuts and scrapes
Gauze pads	Dressing wounds

Backpacks and Supplies for Organization

Backpack

A durable backpack that can accommodate all of the necessary supplies is essential. Consider features such as multiple compartments, padded shoulder straps, and a water bottle holder.

Binders

Students may need multiple binders to organize their assignments and notes by subject. Choose binders that are sturdy and have pockets for handouts and papers.

Folders

Folders are useful for storing and organizing individual assignments and handouts within each subject binder. Consider using color-coded folders for different subjects.

Pencil Pouch

A pencil pouch is a convenient way to keep writing utensils, erasers, and other small supplies organized and easily accessible.

Highlighters

Highlighters are essential for marking important text and notes during reading and studying. Choose highlighters in various colors to differentiate different types of information.

Sticky Notes

Sticky notes are a versatile tool for jotting down reminders, marking pages in textbooks, and organizing notes. Consider using different colors or shapes for different purposes.

Dividers

Dividers are useful for separating different sections within binders and notebooks, making it easier to find and organize information.

Other Organization Supplies

Other organization supplies that may be useful include:

Clear plastic pockets for storing loose papers
File folders for larger documents
Index cards for note-taking and review

Supply Table

Grade	Backpack	Binders	Folders	Pencil Pouch	Highlighters	Sticky Notes	Dividers	Other Supplies
Kindergarten	22-inch backpack	2	3	1	Set of 5	Pack of 100	3	Clear pockets, file folders
1st-2nd Grade	24-inch backpack	3	5	1	Set of 10	Pack of 200	5	Index cards, glue sticks
3rd-4th Grade	26-inch backpack	4	6	2	Set of 15	Pack of 300	7	Notebooks, agenda
5th-6th Grade	28-inch backpack	5	8	3	Set of 20	Pack of 400	10	Pencil sharpener, stapler

Tips for Affordable Shopping

Shopping for school supplies can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are a few tips:

1. Shop Early

Start shopping for school supplies as early as possible. This will give you more time to compare prices and find the best deals.

2. Use Coupons

Check your local newspaper and online for coupons on school supplies. You can also find coupons on the websites of many major retailers.

3. Buy Generic

Generic brands of school supplies are often just as good as name brands, but they cost less. Try generic brands of pens, pencils, paper, and other supplies.

4. Shop at Discount Stores

Discount stores like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar sell school supplies at a fraction of the cost of other stores. You can find great deals on pencils, pens, paper, and other essentials.

5. Take Advantage of Sales

Many stores offer sales on school supplies throughout the summer. Take advantage of these sales to stock up on supplies at a discount.

6. Buy in Bulk

Buying school supplies in bulk can save you money in the long run. If you have multiple children in school, consider buying items like pencils, pens, and paper in bulk.

7. Use a Rewards Program

Many stores offer rewards programs that give you discounts on future purchases. Sign up for a rewards program at your favorite store to save even more money on school supplies.

8. Check with Your School

Some schools offer free or discounted school supplies to students in need. Check with your school’s administration to see if they offer this service.

9. Ask for Donations

If you are unable to afford school supplies, you can always ask for donations from friends, family, or local businesses. Many organizations also offer assistance to families in need of school supplies. Here are some resources that may be able to help:

Organization	Contact Information
The Salvation Army	1-800-SAL-ARMY
The United Way	1-800-733-5700
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America	1-800-854-Club

Sustainable School Supplies for the Future

Durable and Reusable Items

Encourage the use of durable backpacks, pencil cases, and lunch bags that can withstand daily wear and tear. These items will last longer, reducing the need for replacements and minimizing waste.

Recyclable Materials

Choose school supplies made from recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard, and plastic. These materials can be easily recycled after use, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Opt for supplies that come in eco-friendly packaging. Look for products packaged in recycled cardboard or paper, or consider purchasing supplies in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging altogether.

FSC-Certified Products

Support sustainable forestry practices by choosing FSC-certified products. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that wood and paper products are sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Non-Toxic Materials

Avoid supplies made with toxic materials, such as lead, phthalates, and BPA. These chemicals can pose health risks to children and contribute to environmental pollution.

Digital Alternatives

Embrace digital alternatives to physical supplies whenever possible. Using online textbooks, note-taking apps, and digital documents can reduce the consumption of paper and other resources.

Buy in Bulk

Consider purchasing school supplies in bulk when possible. This reduces the amount of packaging waste and helps families save money in the long run.

Choose Local

Support local businesses by purchasing school supplies from nearby stores or manufacturers. This reduces the environmental impact associated with transportation and packaging.

Encourage Reuse

Create opportunities for students to reuse old supplies. Encourage them to use old notebooks as scrap paper, recycle old pencils, and donate unwanted supplies to students in need.

Educate and Engage

Educate students and families about the importance of using sustainable school supplies. Provide information on the environmental benefits of these practices and encourage their participation in eco-friendly initiatives.

Austin ISD School Supply List 2024-2025: A Call for Efficiency and Equitable Access

The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has recently released its school supply list for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. While the list is comprehensive and well-intentioned, it raises concerns regarding efficiency and equitable access to necessary learning materials.

The abundance of supplies requested, ranging from multiple notebooks and binders to specific writing utensils and highlighters, creates an unnecessary burden on families. It is essential to streamline the list and prioritize essential supplies that directly support student learning. This would alleviate the financial strain on families and ensure that all students have access to the materials they need to succeed.

Moreover, the list includes items such as tissues, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes, which traditionally have been the responsibility of the school to provide. Shifting these costs to families creates an inequity, as students from lower-income households may not be able to afford these additional expenses. AISD should consider providing these essential hygiene supplies to ensure a healthy and equitable learning environment for all students.